RONALD G. LEITZEN

Johnston City–Ronald G. Leitzen 63, of Johnston City, lost his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday November 24, 2009 at 10:05 P.M. and passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home surrounded by those he loved. He was a baptized member of the First Christian Church of Johnston City.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 P.M., Friday November 27, 2009, at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor Lee Petty officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date in the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday at funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the First Christian Church of Johnston City or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelops will be available at the funeral home.

Ron was born on May 23, 1946 in Freeport, the son of Galen and Wynnetta (Calhoun) Leitzen.

He was raised on the family farm in Warren until he volunteered to serve his country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

On November 24, 1972, Ron was united in marriage with Linda Lee Borror of Johnston City at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Herrin. They shared together 37 years of a loving marriage on their small farm south of Johnston City.

Ron was a truck driver, spending most of his life traveling the 48 contiguous states and Canada. He retired from Auto Truck Transport in 2009. An avid reader, Ron had a quick mind and enjoyed crossword puzzles, driving his John Deere, and "piddling" on his farm. With a ready smile, he was a loyal and generous friend, always willing to lend a hand and to take in "strays". The oldest of three brothers, Ron kept close to his family and was a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was also a proud and loving grandpa to Kailey and Madison Butler of Lamar, AR, and to Marcus Leitzen of Red Bud.

In addition to his grandchildren and wife, Linda, Ron is survived by two sons, Ronald W. Butler and wife Teri of Lamar, AR, and Matthew J. Leitzen and wife Megan of Red Bud; two brothers, Ray Leitzen and wife Alice of Houston. MN, and Wayne Leitzen of Schullsburg, WI; he will be also greatly missed by his nieces and nephews; his two sisters-in-law; his many good friends; and his little Molly dog.

He was preceded in death by his parents